Donations flow in after theft

Tools were recently stolen from this trailer at a Habitat for Humanity work site in Keizer, but the community has come through with replacements and money donations.
(Photo:
DANIELLE PETERSON / Statesman Journal
)

Donations are pouring into Habitat for Humanity after a break-in cleaned out the Keizer work site.

All but two tools were removed from the nonprofit’s trailer on Alexis Lane where volunteers are building a home for Alma Andrade and her four children. The loss was about $2,000 in power tools.

One donor delivered a circular saw to the build site while others promised saws, battery screw guns and an impact driver set. At least $1,700 in cash donations came in, and Lowe’s has offered another $1,000 in materials.

“It’s really overwhelming,” said Construction Manager Dave Connell. “It’s more than what we lost.”

Connell discovered the tools missing Tuesday morning. The trailer’s door was open, and the lock box containing the keys had disappeared along with most of the tools.

The Keizer Lowe’s will deliver a Porter Cable Air Compressor, three Porter Cable 20V drill/drivers and a security door and lock today to make it harder to break into the trailer. Lowe’s Manager Jeff Frost was disheartened to hear about the theft, he said, but pleased with the community response.

“It is nice to see the communities in Keizer and Salem come together to help out a great cause,” he said.

Robbin Kerner with Habitat for Humanity echoed his praise.

“This community is amazing,” she said.

Habitat for Humanity of the Mid-Willamette Valley has built more than 83 homes for and with the help of low-income families since 1991. Volunteer labor and donations help keep costs down so families can afford home ownership.

The missing tools are stenciled with green letters that read HFHMW or have green paint on them. Habitat is missing two compressors, a Sawzall, two battery-operated drills, a skill saw, screw guns, a builder’s level and tripod, other levels, electric drills, a jigsaw, a multisaw and a miter saw.

Anyone with any information about the missing tools should call Keizer Police Officer Tyler Wampler at (503) 390-3713, Ext. 3507.